[Capt. Lou]

Picking weather & correct safety euiptment is of paramount importance. However even more important to me as having done this offshore deal in smaller boats knowing how your boat will handle in rough seas if encountered.
Somehow if your sloshing around in 6' footers in sight of land that's one thing,with 50 miles to go to get to your dock in same conditions is another.
One deal I learned early on was to run fast in the calm between seas, cut back on the big stuff. There would always seem to be areas of flat that this could be accomplished. Correct angle on the waves will help immensley evne if you get off course, you can always work your back. sometimes a slight course change can make the trip home a lot smoother.
Know your boat & how to use it in rough conditions is as basic as your equiptment choices to make those runs & get home safely. Remember if you go out there enough,chances are your gonna get caught ,proper boat handling can be as important as all the rest . The hull under you can take more than you,so always get a feel of how it handles on rough days. Don't have to fish just take a ride,it'll really boost your capabilities. Unfortunately not all boats will handle the same get to know what yours can do !